ALLEGATIONS that the government's efforts to bring wounded Palestinians here for treatment are politically motivated are unfounded, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
According to reports in Berita Harian, in a written reply to parliament, he explained that the government is always concerned about the suffering of the Palestinian people who have been oppressed for decades.
"The government condemns the violent actions by Israel Defence Force (IDF) against the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, since Oct 7 last year.
"On humanitarian grounds and in solidarity with innocent Palestinians, the government has taken the initiative to assist some Palestinians affected by the war by providing them with necessary treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation.
"This humanitarian mission was implemented following the collapse of the health care system in Gaza due to ongoing IDF attacks.
"Therefore, the government believes that this humanitarian aid mission for the Palestinian people is a noble endeavour that should be supported by all Malaysians regardless of religious, ethnic or political differences," he said in response to Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) .
Sh Mohmed Puzi asked about the government's stance on extreme sentiments questioning the efforts, saying that the action was aimed at political survival.
Regarding the latest developments in the treatment and rehabilitation of Palestinians brought to Malaysia for medical purposes, Khaled said that as of October 6, a total of 37 Palestinians who were treated have been discharged, and four patients are still undergoing treatment.
Since August 16, he said, the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) had brought 41 wounded Palestinians along with 86 of their family members to Malaysia and were treated at the Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital.
On Aug 4, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his speech at 'Himpunan Pembebasan Palestin,' announced that the government would facilitate the treatment of injured Palestinians, particularly women, and children, by bringing them to Malaysia. - October 22, 2024
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